DOWNEY >> A California State Assemblywoman is reaching out to her constituents in Downey and surrounding cities with the opportunity to propose a law.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia is holding a There Ought to Be a Law contest for her constituents in the 58th Assembly District — Downey, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Cerritos, Artesia, Montebello and a portion of Norwalk.

“I want the constituents to know that I’m right there learning with them,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships. When I ran, I had a lot of community support. My biggest fear is forgetting that. I want the people to keep me true.”

Garcia was elected in November 2012.

With the legislative session back underway in 2014 and an upcoming bid for reelection, Garcia says she hopes to achieve some meaningful changes this year in her district and statewide.

Garcia will choose one winner who will have the opportunity to travel to Sacramento, testify before an Assembly Committee on the merits of the bill and have lunch with the assemblywoman.

People of all ages can enter, and high school or college students are highly encouraged to participate.

The contest has drawn the attention of at least one local government official.

“This fits hand-in-hand with the Mayor’s Listening Group that we launched in Downey this year,” said Downey Mayor Fernando Vasquez. “It encourages our citizens to reach out. I come from an urban planning background, and I’m a big believer that some of the best ideas come from the community.”

Vasquez said he applauds Garcia for launching the submission program.

“It’s a unique opportunity for our residents to learn how government works,” he said. “It enables our residents to get involved in government.”

And Garcia says people can continue to submit ideas for laws after the contest’s Jan. 17 deadline.

“We’ll be doing this for the long haul,” she said. “It can be an ongoing thing.”

Garcia, who is serving her first term in the state assembly, will be up for re-election in November.

She says she hopes to enact reforms before the current legislative session closes, including changes to campaign donation disclosure reporting and the so-called “sunshine laws” that provide for government transparency.

“I want to create a system where it’s easy to dig deeper for information,” Garcia said. “I think we really need to look at how we use social media in government.”

Garcia said she envisions a system where people can easily use government websites as educational tools to follow debates, legislation and other issues.

Garcia will also hold an open house at her district office in Downtown Downey on Feb. 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The office is located at 8255 Firestone Blvd, Suite 203. To reserve a spot, email Dennise Silva at dennise.silva@asm.ca.gov or call the office at 562-861-5803.

To submit a proposal for the There Ought to Be a Law contest or for more information, visit her website, email Assemblymember.Garcia@Assembly.ca.gov, call her district office, or her Sacramento office at 916-319-2058.